Great advice from the Renaissance writer and philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli: “Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.”

For most great leaders, impossible is not in their vocabulary. They are able to view every obstacle through the lens of “it’s possible.” Yes, they need to be realistic and willing to take calculated risks. But they keep moving in the direction of accomplishment. Otherwise, innovation and productivity grind to a halt.

In his book, Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do, Robert Schuller offers up the following observation: “Understand the power of this word: impossibility. When uttered aloud, this word is devastating in its effect. Thinking stops. Progress is halted. Doors slam shut. Research comes to a screeching halt. Further experimentation is torpedoed. Projects are abandoned. Dreams are discarded. The brightest and the best of creative brain cells turn off. In this defensive maneuver, the brain shelters itself against the painful sting of insulting disappointments, brutal rejections, and dashed hopes.

“But let someone utter the magic words, it’s possible. Buried dreams are resurrected. Sparks of fresh enthusiasm flicker. Tabled motions are brought back to the floor. Dusty files are reopened. Lights go on again in the darkened laboratories. Telephones start ringing. Typewriters make clattering music. Budgets are revised and adopted. ‘Help wanted’ signs are hung out. Factories are retooled and reopened. New products appear. New markets open. The recession has ended. A great new era of adventure, experimentation, expansion and prosperity is born.”

I’ll bet there is some possibility thinking taking place somewhere on your campus right now. How about in your office?